description Vikramashila Stupa Overview
The Vikramashila Stupa is a central monument located within the ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastic university in Bhagalpur, Bihar, India. Founded in the late 8th century by the Pala Empire ruler King Dharmapala, the university became one of the most prominent centers of Buddhist learning in northern India. The site is distinguished by its square-shaped central stupa featuring chambers and shrines.
help Vikramashila Stupa FAQ
Who founded the Vikramashila monastic university?
Vikramashila was founded by the Pala dynasty king Dharmapala in the late 8th or early 9th century as a major center of Buddhist learning. It was established to complement the older Nalanda University and became one of the most important monastic institutions in medieval India.
Where is the Vikramashila Stupa located?
The ruins of Vikramashila are located in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar, India, situated on a hilltop along the Ganges River. The archaeological site contains the remains of the stupa, monastic cells, and study halls arranged in a systematic layout.
What was Vikramashila University famous for?
Vikramashila was renowned as a premier center for Vajrayana (Tantric) Buddhist studies, attracting scholars from Tibet, Nepal, and across Asia. The famous monk-scholar Atisha, who later played a key role in revitalizing Buddhism in Tibet, served as a prominent abbot at Vikramashila.
When was Vikramashila destroyed?
Vikramashila was destroyed around the late 12th or early 13th century during the Turkic invasions that also devastated Nalanda and other Buddhist centers in the region. The university was burned and never rebuilt, ending centuries of Buddhist scholarship at the site.
explore Explore More
Similar to Vikramashila Stupa
compare_arrows Compare: Rajgir Griddhakuta Stupa See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
